Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Sinharaja is Sri Lanka's last significant stretch of primary lowland rainforest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. Its name means "Lion Kingdom", and for naturalists it is the jewel of the island: most of Sri Lanka's endemic bird species can be seen here, along with endemic frogs, lizards, butterflies and plants, under a canopy of giant trees. A visit here feels completely different from the open dry-zone national parks — no jeeps, just walking with a guide through dense, dripping forest.

Entrances

• Kudawa (northern entrance) — the most popular, with the main research station and many guesthouses nearby. Reached via Kalawana, about 4 hours from Colombo.
• Deniyaya / Pitadeniya (southern entrance) — closer to the south coast, around 2.5 hours from Galle or Mirissa. Good for a day trip with waterfall walks.

Visiting tips

• Guides are compulsory. Local guides are excellent at spotting birds, snakes and frogs you would never see alone.
• Start early (around 7 am) for mixed-species bird flocks, when dozens of birds of different species move through the forest together.
• Leeches: wear long trousers tucked into leech socks (sold locally), use repellent on your shoes and check yourself regularly. They're harmless but common after rain.
• Bring a rain jacket, water and binoculars. Paths are muddy and slippery.

Wildlife highlights

Sri Lanka blue magpie, red-faced malkoha, Sri Lanka spurfowl, green-billed coucal, the Sri Lanka hanging parrot, purple-faced langur, giant squirrels, green pit vipers and endemic frogs.

When to visit

The drier months January to April and August to September are best. The rainforest gets rain all year, so expect showers at any time.